For Prospective Students

Interested in Taking the SBA Course?

Do you want to learn how to contribute to a more sustainable built environment? Are you interested in engaging clients or others in your workplace to make more environmentally responsible building decisions? Are you eager to connect with a network of professionals in the building industry committed to furthering the green building movement? Then the SBA course is the right course for you! If you're ready to sign up now, find a course near you.

Hear what other students have to say!

Take it from our graduates, who come from a range of backgrounds and professions, and consistently report that taking the SBA class was one of their best decisions. Check out our alumni testimonial video and testimonials webpage to learn more!

SBA Info Sessions - A great way to learn more...

Check with the course nearest you to find out dates and times for the next SBA Information Session, where you can meet with instructors and alumni to learn more in person about the course. NaSBAP will also be hosting an SBA Info Session and SBA Alumni Showcase at the 2009 Living Future Conference in Portland, Oregon on Friday, May 8th!

Frequently Asked Questions

In-person instruction and interaction with fellow students in the building, design, and environmental professions
Local experts as guest instructors, who bring regional knowledge and information resources to the course
Field trips to exemplary projects
Hands-on, interactive experiences tailored to adult learners
Professional accreditation as a Certified Sustainable Building Advisor, upon completion of the course and exam
Rated as a 400 Level Mastery Course by the USGBC Education Provider Program

Who Should Take the Course?

There are no limitations to who can take the course, and there are no prerequisites. Many SBA students have building, design, or environmental backgrounds, though the course is accessible to a wide range of professionals in many different industries, including engineering, government, research, resource conservation, utilities, and consulting. You must be able to commit to meet the course requirements, including attendance at all nine course sessions (two full days per session, typically on Friday and Saturday, once a month).

The SBA course is offered across the United States and in Canada through local community colleges and other organizations. To accommodate professional schedules, the course typically meets once a month, all day Friday and Saturday, for nine (9) months from October through June. Scheduling and registration is handled through individual providers. The cost varies by provider, but is typically between $1,900 and $2,500.

Contact the course provider near you for details.

What's the difference between CSBA and other professional designations?

The SBA course covers a comprehensive breadth of topics about sustainability and sustainable building, and the CSBA designation signifies that an individual has completed the rigorous 9-month course and has demonstrated knowledge by successful passing of the CSBA exam. The SBA course does cover topics and information that are included in other professional designations, such as the USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system and professional accreditation, but it is not a course designed to prepare individuals to take the LEED AP exam. In most cases, the CSBA designation is very complimentary with other designations that are more focused on one’s ability to implement the requirements of a specific rating system, such as the LEED rating system.  

Does the course count towards other professional accreditations?

AIA

The American Institute of Architects has approved the SBA course for 100 Learning Units, which includes the Sustainable Development credits. Students must submit their AIA number to their instructor prior to the last class. NaSBAP will submit information for all students who have successfully completed the course to the AIA within eight weeks of course completion.

LEED AP Credential Maintenance

The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI)'s approved Education Reviewing Body (ERB), the US Green Building Council Education Provider Program (EPP), has approved the SBA course for LEED AP credential maintenance credits. Please contact GBCI to learn about the credential maintenence process, details, and confirm the SBA course as credential maintenance.

LEED Green Associate Exam Eligibility

The SBA course fulfills the LEED Green Associate exam eligibility criteria of an education program that addresses green building principles. Please contact GBCI directly to learn about the credential maintenance process, details, and confirm your eligibility.

No course near you?

If you don’t see a course listed near you, create a profile on this web site and we will keep you updated as new schools offer the SBA course in your area. Or you can tell the continuing education department at your local community college to contact us for information on offering the course.

How do I learn more about the SBA course and NaSBAP?

Contact your local provider to learn about upcoming Information Sessions or to obtain the latest course schedule. For information on the national program, contact NaSBAP at info@nasbap.org.

What is the difference between the SBA course and the Earth Advantage Sustainable Homes Professional training?

The SBA course and Earth Advantage’s Sustainable Homes Professional certification course are complimentary courses, with very different purposes.

The SBA course is a comprehensive course on sustainable building in both the residential and commercial building industries, which imparts a deep understanding of the importance of sustainable building. The SBA course covers both conceptual and practical elements of sustainability, as well as addresses relevant regional challenges and opportunities.

To learn more about the differences, download the SBA SHP Matrix.

Please visit the Earth Advantage classes website to learn more about the Sustainable Homes Professional course.